Human and Public Services

ECC helps you gain hands-on experience and make meaningful connections in the field.

Human and public service careers are about serving people and communities. Whether you’re interested in taking a few courses to meet a requirement or want to pursue a degree or certificate, Elgin Community College offers a variety of options to study human services as you work toward a career as a social worker, drug and alcohol counselor, mental health worker, occupational therapist, and more.

ECC offers a variety of programs to help you work with people to improve their quality of life through improvements to their daily lives. You’ll be exposed to both educational and experiential learning methods in assessment, social policy, individual and group treatment, rules and regulations about the profession, and personal and professional self-awareness.

With connections to almost 100 human service organizations spanning four counties, students have a wide range of internship options through ECC’s Field Experience Program. Clinical skills are developed along with analytic and advocacy abilities. Plus, you can transfer to a bachelor’s program at a university after completing an Associate Degree. Our experienced instructors in the human services field teach all courses, and certain certificate programs are only open to former addicts so they can serve as role models to motivate and monitor other addicts to promote long-term recovery.

Degree Programs

Certificates Programs

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Please refer to the ECC catalog for program details and course descriptions.

ECC Catalog

Do you have partnerships with community organizations?

Graduates are prepared for employment in non-profit organizations, government agencies, hospitals, health care facilities, community social service agencies, and advocacy groups. The program's community advisory board, comprised of representatives from many of these agencies, ensures that students receive guidance and support tailored to the needs and expectations of the industry.

Through internships and on-campus collaboration opportunities, students receive valuable real-world exposure, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in practical settings while positively impacting their communities. We also offer a variety of on-campus leadership and service programs to get involved in, such as Student Government, Human Services Club, Recovery of All Kinds, Spartan Christian Fellowship, Students Who Are Not Silent, and more.

Are your counselor programs accredited?

Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA), the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE), the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), and the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) have approved our programs.

A caring community where you belong.

In the classroom, ECC offers different hands-on experiences to help you prepare to support the basic physical and emotional needs of individuals, families, and communities with a career in human services. Students can access a wealth of resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance their educational journey and prepare for successful careers in human services.

Person holding a puppy — In just one year, gain hands-on experience through coursework and internships. You’ll learn to help others manage stress and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being alongside their studies at ECC. Participate in diverse collaborations across campus to support various wellness activities like ECC’s Stress-Free Zone during finals week, where students can seek respite from the pressures of exams and unwind in a supportive environment. This helps you prepare for field experience, which is required as part of the program, by allowing you to gain increased self-confidence in a familiar environment. Use the link below to explore the student services space.

Person holding a clipboard with a pen engaged in conversation — At ECC, our program provides a comprehensive education blending theory with practical skills to prepare counselors for working with those affected by substance abuse disorders. Gain expertise in assessing needs, planning strategies, and evaluating outcomes. Explore addiction's biological and environmental factors, along with effective treatment methods to address its impact on individuals and society. Plus, our students can transfer to four-year institutions to continue learning toward completing a bachelor's degree or further study. Use the link below to explore the campus.

Two Students engaged in conversation — Join the forefront of the Human Services field, guiding individuals toward healing and empowerment. Gain expertise in modern methods while developing cultural competence to support clients from diverse backgrounds effectively. Learn to address cultural factors and societal influences affecting substance abuse and treatment-seeking behaviors. Explore our campus outdoor spaces for quiet contemplation and conversation.

People sitting in a circle holding hands — ECC’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder certificate program stands apart by recognizing students' personal experiences with mental health as a valuable asset. Our classes facilitate meaningful conversations, creating a supportive environment like a support group. Students openly share their journeys within these discussions, offering valuable insights and empathy that enrich the learning experience.

Group of students using the libraries resources — The librarians at Elgin Community College provide academic support in the library, empowering you to navigate your academic journey confidently. On D2L, our online learning platform, they offer tailored research assistance. Explore our subject guides, crafted to illuminate various disciplines, and discover useful resources organized by our experts. With EBSCO's multi-disciplinary database, access a wealth of scholarly articles across disciplines. Use the link below to explore the library.

students participating in a stress free zone activity — Earn a credential in the mental health field to support individuals in recovery with our Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder program, achievable in just one year. Utilize your personal experience as a valuable asset in engaging class discussions, fostering a supportive atmosphere akin to support groups. This unique program is accessible to individuals with personal backgrounds in mental health, substance use disorder, or dual diagnosis services. Upon completion, students can take the State exam for Certification as Recovery Support Specialists.

Students with instructor going over how to handle conflicts — Understand the essential areas of study to work as a counselor. Take classes covering everything from harm reduction, stages of change and motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care to cognitive behavioral (CBT) and strength-based interventions, behavioral modification techniques, and working with families and youth on a path forward.

A person doing arts and crafts — Internships in college provide hands-on experience aligned with your human services studies, helping you apply classroom knowledge, develop essential skills, and meet field expectations. They also offer networking opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world job requirements. ECC connects students with nearly 100 human service organizations across four counties for field research facilitated by our community advisory board representing many local agencies.

Student engaged in class — By engaging in coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and supervised internships or practicum experiences, you'll develop the expertise needed to excel in addiction counseling. These immersive experiences not only provide essential knowledge but also offer practical insights into addressing the impact of substance abuse on family systems and relationships. As you progress through these learning avenues, you'll be equipped to make a meaningful and positive impact in addiction counseling.

Instructor helping a student with reading a textbook — Classes in sociology or Introduction to Human Services offer students a unique perspective on understanding human behavior, social structures, and societal interconnectedness. By exploring topics like culture, inequality, social change, and relationships, these courses equip students with critical thinking skills to address complex social issues and foster positive change. Whether analyzing family dynamics, assessing technology's societal impact, or examining global migration patterns, sociology provides invaluable insights into our diverse world.

ECC in the News

Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays | Student Profile

Published 12/11/2020

Wendy Rivera: At ECC, I finally felt like I belonged

Wendy Rivera never imagined graduating with high honors or pursuing a bachelor's degree. Read how ECC shaped her into who she is today.

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Academics

Published 04/05/2022

New grant-funded recovery support specialist program launching in fall 2022 at ECC

Elgin Community College is among a select few Illinois colleges to be awarded a state grant by the Illinois Department of Human Services to support a new program for Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). The program will begin accepting applications this spring, with classes launching in the fall of 2022.

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Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Tara Retondo

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/11/2023

Tara Retondo: Nothing or no one will ever decide where I end up in life except me

My dream goal for years was to work in the mental health field because, as someone who had a battle with mental illness, I would find meaning in helping others through theirs.

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Jesse Ramirez, student speaker for the Fall 2023 Career and Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/19/2023

Jesse Ramirez: This day is just the start

My journey at ECC has been riddled with hardships, pain, hope, loss, and self-discovery, and the past five years pushed me to my limits. From toxic relationships to mental health struggles that almost cost me my life, I have been through it all. I would find myself at times asking myself what I have going for me. Can I even really be of service to someone if I don’t have it all together?

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Student Profile

Published 03/04/2024

Meet Jess Heiser

Elgin Community College student Jess Heiser of St. Charles said the drive to help people started as a child. Heiser plans on majoring in social work and is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Applied Science – Human Services Generalist degree.

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Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

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Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689